Aruba does not (yet) have a mandatory deposit law, so every glass beer bottle thrown away becomes landfill for centuries.
Private Initiative
Tropical Bottling Company (TBC)—the island's Coca-Cola bottler and official distributor for Balashi-portfolio beers—decided not to wait for legislation.
Incentive Program
Its voluntary bottle-return program pays customers cash for empties and keeps thousands of bottles in circulation instead of in the landfill.
How the Program Works
Step 1: Return
Collect and bring back any Balashi, Chill, Magic Mango (or other Balashi-portfolio) bottles.*
Staff scan, sort and record each bottle. You earn Afl 0.20 per bottle or Afl 4.80 per 24-pack case—cash or credit toward your next purchase.
Step 2: Processing
Hand over the crate at the plant or either Carry-Out Drive-Thru.
Bottles are pressure-inspected, steam-washed, disinfected and relabelled.
Each bottle is safely reused about five times before final recycling.
Step 3: Repeat
Repeat on your next grocery run.
83 % of bottles were returned in early 2024—proof that incentives work in Aruba's circular economy.
*TBC handles the logistics for Balashi Brewery's glass portfolio; other brands may be added in future phases.
Where & When to Drop Off
*Holiday or weekend hours occasionally change—check TBC's Facebook or WhatsApp (+297 585 8700) for updates.
Environmental Impact at a Glance
Reduced Emissions
Up to 80 % lower emissions compared with producing new glass (life-cycle studies on refillable packaging).
Extended Bottle Life
Five reuse cycles extend bottle life, cutting raw-material demand and furnace energy.
Certified Practices
ISO 14001-certified environmental management at the Santa Cruz plant ensures global best practices.
shop.tropicalbottlingcompany.com
Three Easy Ways You Can Help
Rinse, Return, Repeat
Build bottle drop-off into your weekly errand route.
Spread the Word
Remind your favourite bars and friends that empties are worth real money.
Share Your Impact
Post a quick photo of your return run and tag @TropicalBottlingCompany and @ArubaRecycling to inspire others.
Key Takeaways
Afl 0.20
Cash Back Per Bottle
Afl 0.20 per bottle means you can save nearly Afl 5 on every full case you buy.
83%
Return Rate
More than four out of five bottles already find their way home for reuse.
0
Government Mandates
Aruba's private sector is proving extended producer responsibility works—no government mandate required.